Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to Oklahoma

Release Date:

May 22, 2013

For Immediate ReleaseDHS Press OfficeContact: 202-282-8010

MOORE, Okla. — Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Rich Serino and Red Cross President Gail McGovern today traveled to Moore, Okla. where they met with Governor Mary Fallin, U.S. Representative Tom Cole, Mayor Glenn Lewis, and other state and local officials to ensure that first responders are receiving the assistance they need in on-going response and recovery efforts to the severe weather that impacted the region. Secretary Napolitano reiterated the on-going support from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FEMA, and the rest of the federal family for communities in impacted areas, as response efforts continue.

“I want to thank the first responders and community members who have been working around the clock since this storm hit. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those impacted by the tornadoes and severe weather in Oklahoma,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Our commitment is to be here for the duration – to work with our federal, state, tribal, local, and community partners in the coming days, weeks, and months to help you recover and rebuild from this terrible tragedy and emerge even stronger.”

In Moore, Secretary Napolitano, Governor Fallin, U.S. Representative Cole, Mayor Lewis, FEMA Deputy Administrator Serino and Red Cross President McGovern visited the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and Point of Distribution, and met with state and local officials and first responders to discuss coordination among federal, state and local partners on recovery efforts throughout the region. The Administration, through FEMA, is closely monitoring the impacts of the storm and remains in close contact with emergency officials to ensure there are not any unmet needs.

On Monday, President Obama declared a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma, making federal funding available to support affected individuals, as well as additional federal assistance to support immediate response and recovery efforts. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (providing federal assistance to support emergency work) is available for the following counties: Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in these affected areas are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants who use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.